Art and Literature

Agatha Christie is undoubtedly one of the most influential crime novelists of all time. Although detective novels were already popular, her books soon became the gold standard thanks to their constant suspense, innovative concepts and the public’s fondness for her best-known detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. In just 50 minutes, you will learn how Christie created such a winning... Read more

The Algerian-born French writer and thinker Albert Camus remains one of the most important French authors of the 20th century. Often associated with existentialism (although he did not fully identify with this philosophical movement), he was also a courageous activist and social critic, speaking out against totalitarianism in all its forms and fighting for justice and equality for all. In... Read more

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most fascinating, enigmatic figures in modern literary history. As the leading figure of American Romanticism who drew particular inspiration from the Gothic tradition, Poe set many of his works in singularly haunting atmospheres, while also pioneering new literary styles based on psychological horror. In just 50 minutes, you will find out about the... Read more

The French novelist Émile Zola was one of the most celebrated writers of the 19th century and remains one of the most widely read, translated and studied authors in the world. He was the leading figure of the literary school of naturalism, which sought to apply experimental scientific methods to literature, and an outspoken critic of injustice in all its... Read more

Francisco Goya lived and worked in Spain during the 18th and early 19th centuries, and produced some of the country’s most important artistic masterpieces. As part of his work as court painter for the Spanish Crown, he produced a number of fine portraits, while his personal works tend to focus on darker themes and social criticism. In just 50 minutes,... Read more

Gustav Klimt was born in Vienna, which in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a thriving, cosmopolitan metropolis. In 1897, he helped to found the Vienna Secession, an artistic movement which broke with the academic tradition and was closely associated with Art Nouveau. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how Klimt revolutionized the artistic scene both in... Read more

Jane Austen has become one of the best-loved English writers of all time. Her biting wit and profound insight into human nature give her writing a timeless quality, even as its authenticity and attention to detail firmly root it in the social context of the 19th century. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how this unassuming writer from... Read more

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath who was active during the Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries. In addition to his masterful work as a painter he was also a prolific inventor and researcher, and made many important discoveries in the fields of anatomy, botany and engineering, among others. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how da... Read more

With his awe-inspiring talent across a range of artistic disciplines and insatiable curiosity, Michelangelo was one of the most important figures of the Italian Renaissance. The vast scale of his works, as well as his skilful use of proportion and exceptional understanding of anatomy, give his paintings and sculptures a dynamism and sense of emotion that has rarely been matched. In... Read more

Miguel de Cervantes was a key figure of the Spanish Golden Age, a time of exceptional productivity and creativity in the fields of art and literature, and is arguably the greatest Spanish-language writer who ever lived. His literary output comprises novels, novellas, plays and poetry, and he is often described as the father of the modern novel. In just 50... Read more

Oscar Wilde remains one of the most captivating writers of all time, known as much for his witticisms as for his humorous, though-provoking writing. As a leading figure of Aestheticism and a passionate proponent of art for art’s sake, he sought beauty everywhere and produced works across a range of genres which conceal deeper messages beneath their apparently superficial exterior.... Read more

Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch painter who was active during the late 19th century. His innovative style combined elements of naturalism, Impressionism and Japanese styles such as ukiyo-e, and his work generally focused on peasant life and the joys of nature. However, he also struggled with depression and remained virtually unknown during his lifetime. In just 50 minutes, you... Read more